Excel-O-Tone Mini Synth (Casio VL-Tone Clone) with Original Box – Vintage 1980s!

We are selling this rare Excel-O-Tone mini synth, a quirky Casio VL-Tone (VL-1) style clone from around 1984. It’s a simple, lo-fi electronic toy keyboard with a distinctive character, best suited for collectors, circuit bending enthusiasts, or experimental use.

This unit is essentially a stripped-down, budget version of the famous VL-1. It produces classic monophonic “bleep-bloop” sounds and includes a basic note repeat (“parrot”) function along with vibrato. It also features a built-in sequencer and a line output, which is a nice addition for external recording or processing.

Please note: this is not a professional musical instrument, but rather a vintage toy with charm and limitations.

Condition: The unit is fully working and in very good cosmetic condition for its age. It comes with the original box.

IMPORTANT: There are some known quirks typical of this model:

• Keys have a “wonky” response: they may not register when played too fast, can stutter, or sometimes continue sounding briefly after release

• This behavior has been consistent across all Excel-O-Tone units we’ve previously handled and appears to be a design characteristic rather than a defect

• Vibrato effect is quite basic and not very pronounced

• The sequencer does not retain rhythmic differences; all notes are played at the same duration

Features:

• Power on/off switch

• 25 mini keys

• 1 oscillator (monophonic)

• 4 volume levels

• 4 tempo levels

• Off–On–Off vibrato switch

• Note sequence repeat (“parrot”) button

• “Auto” button (function unclear – appears to mute keys)

• Headphone output (3.5 mm jack)

• Battery powered (4x AA, 1.5V)

• DC input (likely 6V, but NOT tested with power supply)

• Additional battery storage slots on the back

A fun and unusual piece of 1980s electronic history, ideal for collectors or anyone into lo-fi textures and circuit bending projects.

THIS EXCEL-O-TONE MINI TOY SYNTH IS FULLY WORKING AND IN VERY GOOD COSMETICAL CONDITIONS FOR ITS AGE. IT WILL BE PACKAGED IN A PROFESSIONAL WAY (PLEASE, READ OUR FEEDBACK) BUT ANY WAY IT WILL BE SOLD AT BUYER'S OWN RISK, WITHOUT WARRANTY AGAINST POSSIBLE DEFECTS DUE TO TRANSPORT: WE CAN'T OFFER ANY REFUND!

This is your chance to get your hands on a truly cool and vintage mini toy synth.

See photos & condition description for condition details, but feel free to ask questions.